Cockburn's early albums were fairly straight ahead folk music spotlighting his brilliant guitar playing. In fact, there were a good number of instrumental guitar numbers on those early recordings. A Christian element came into his music around the time of the album Salt, Sun and Time, and over time his writing has taken on a stronger and stronger political orientation.
Perhaps the most consistent element of Cockburn's music has been his willingness to change and evolve over time. In this way, he is similar to fellow Canadians Joni Mitchell and Neil Young.
He has had a couple of radio hits in the United States, including (Wondering Where the Lions Are and If I Had a Rocket Launcher).
His albums in the 80s are considered some of his strongest, including Humans, Inner City Front, Stealing Fire, and Big Circumstance. After Big Circumstance he struggled with writer's block, and his output began to slow down; but he recovered with the formidable Nothing But a Burning Light, which led the way back to a sparer, more folk-oriented form of music. His later album The Charity of Night contains one of his most thoughtful songs, Pacing the Cage.
His 2006 album Life Short Call Now was preceded by Speechless, a collection of instrumentals, many of them from earlier albums. The album highlights Cockburn's prodigious abilities as a guitarist.
Cockburn's 31st studio album,Small Source of Comfort was released in March, 2011. BruceCockburn.com called the album "an adventurous collection of songs of romance, protest and spiritual discovery. The album, primarily acoustic yet rhythmically savvy, is rich in Cockburn’s characteristic blend of folk, blues, jazz and rock."
Love Loves You Too
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some people get to say what's true
Everybody's got to find their own way through
But if you love love, then love loves you too
Some people get to fly by night
Some people get to shine a light
Everybody's got to find their own way through
But if you love love, then love loves you too
Some of us hunger for the finer things
Some lust for power like the ancient kings
Some have to leave behind everything they thought they knew
Some people don't know how much trouble they can brew
Some take the burden of another's pain
Some spend forever for a moment's gain
Everybody's got to find their own way through
But if you love love, then love loves you too
But if you love love, then love loves you too
The lyrics to Bruce Cockburn's song Love Loves You Too speak about the unpredictable journey of life and the different paths people take. The first stanza talks about how some people have power and fame while others don't, but everyone has to find their way. The song links to the idea that if someone loves love, then love will also love them.
The second stanza talks about how some people have the freedom to indulge in their desires while others have to carry the weight of responsibility. Some people have to let go of everything they know to find their way, and some people make mistakes without understanding the consequences. The song highlights the importance of self-discovery while also touching on how life is unpredictable and uncertain.
The song's refrain, "But if you love love, then love loves you too," reiterates the idea that love is the only consistent aspect of life. The song's message is that if people can connect with love, then they can navigate through the everchanging path of life. It's about embracing the power of love - love for oneself, love for someone else, love for humanity, and the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people get to make the news
Certain individuals possess the power to control and shape what society deems newsworthy.
Some people get to say what's true
There are those who hold influence over the truth and what is accepted as fact.
Everybody's got to find their own way through
Each person must navigate their own unique path in life.
But if you love love, then love loves you too
When one has love in their heart, love reciprocates and returns that affection.
Some people get to fly by night
Certain individuals are able to move through life freely and without restraint.
Some people get to shine a light
There exist those who illuminate the world around them and bring clarity to the darkness.
Some of us hunger for the finer things
Some people yearn for material possessions and lavish luxuries.
Some lust for power like the ancient kings
Others crave control and supremacy in a way reminiscent of monarchs of the past.
Some have to leave behind everything they thought they knew
Certain individuals must abandon previous beliefs and norms in order to reach their full potential.
Some people don't know how much trouble they can brew
Some individuals are unaware of the negative consequences their actions may bring.
Some take the burden of another's pain
There are those who willingly shoulder the suffering of others.
Some spend forever for a moment's gain
Some individuals sacrifice their long-term well-being for short-term benefits.
Everybody's got to find their own way through
Each person must navigate their own unique path in life.
But if you love love, then love loves you too
When one has love in their heart, love reciprocates and returns that affection.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce Cockburn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rose kaczmarek
Awsome song love it this song i play it every day for people i help every day and night they call me a woman with a heart of gold thank bruce Cockburn keep safe happy thanksgiving
Deborah Cookston
I wanted to marry him when I was in college and I still do.
Lou Cat
still love, lovin' Bruce in 2020
Beverly Murphree
Still love, lovin' Bruce in 2021.
Beverly Murphree
This should be a mantra the world over.
Ian Mann
love Bruce